Pliable handle

ABSTRACT

A pliable handle for a hand-held device is provided. The handle includes a tubular core member, a deformable outer sheath disposed about the tubular core member, a gel disposed between the tubular core member and the outer sheath, and first and second sealers inserted into respective ends of the tubular core member and sealing the gel between the tubular core member and the outer sheath, wherein a force applied to the outer sheath causes load movement of the gel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional patent application Ser.No. 60/603,945, filed on Aug. 22, 2004, and is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/820,316 filed Jun. 19, 2007, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,634,839 which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/209,277, filed on Aug. 22, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,234,205, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/693,152, filed on Oct. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.6,959,469, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/418,811, filed on Apr. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.6,968,599. These related applications are hereby each incorporated byreference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to handles, and moreparticularly to handles that are pliable.

BACKGROUND

Handles of devices, such as umbrellas, canes, walking sticks, sportsequipment, garden equipment, tools, kitchen tools, cleaning equipment,writing instruments, beauty equipment, etc., have been known for manyyears. Users are often required to grip such handles for an extendedperiod of time leading to discomfort.

Umbrellas, for example, which are used for protection from elements suchas rain and sun, generally consist of a collapsible canopy mounted onone end of a central rod and a handle mounted on the other end. Duringinclement weather especially, users tend to grip the handle tightly. Thestiff, rigid handle promotes finger fatigue. Also, plastic handles tendto become slippery when wet, and the user might lose grasp of thehandle. And in high winds, this could lead to loss of the umbrella.

Other types of handles also suffer from similar problems of causingfinger fatigue and becoming slippery when wet. It is therefore desirableto overcome the above disadvantages by providing a handle that willreduce hand fatigue and provide a more comfortable, secure grip.

SUMMARY

A pliable handle for a hand-held device is provided. The handle includesa tubular core member, a deformable outer sheath disposed about thetubular core member, a gel disposed between the tubular core member andthe outer sheath, and first and second sealers inserted into respectiveends of the tubular core member and sealing the gel between the tubularcore member and the outer sheath, wherein a force applied to the outersheath causes load movement of the gel.

Further aspects and features of the exemplary apparatus disclosed hereincan be appreciated from the appended Figures and accompanying writtendescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pliable handle according to oneexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the pliable handle of FIG. 1 inpartial cutaway and being gripped by a hand;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view of the pliable handle ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear exploded perspective view of the pliable handle of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the core member taken along line 5-5of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled pliable handle of FIG.1 illustrating movement of gel during injection;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled pliable handle of FIG.1 illustrating movement of gel while a force exerting pressure isapplied to the handle;

FIG. 8 is a front exploded perspective view of a second exemplaryembodiment of the pliable handle having an alternate method for gelinjection;

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the core member in partial cutaway takenalong line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional plan view of the core member taken along line10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view in partial cutaway of the assembled pliablehandle of FIG. 8 having two gel injection bores and illustratingmovement of gel during injection;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view in partial cutaway of the assembled,gel-filled pliable handle of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of thepliable handle having a modified sheath and a loop for hanging;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of thepliable handle elongated for two-handed gripping;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of thepliable handle having a contoured shape;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodimentof the pliable handle applied to an umbrella with a curved handleportion;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of thepliable handle having no distal end cap;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the pliable handle of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an eighth exemplaryembodiment of the pliable handle having an alternative core member;

FIG. 20 is a front exploded perspective view of the pliable handle ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the pliable handle of FIG. 19 inpartial cutaway having four gel injection bores and illustratingmovement of gel during injection

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the pliable handle of FIG. 19 in partialcutaway illustrating compression on an outer sheath to seal gelinjection bores;

FIG. 23 is a front exploded perspective view of a ninth exemplaryembodiment of the pliable handle;

FIG. 24 a is a front elevation view of the core member main portion ofthe pliable handle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 24 b is a top plan view of the core member main portion of thepliable handle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 24 c is a bottom plan view of the core member main portion of thepliable handle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 a is a left side elevation of the core member proximal sealingportion of the pliable handle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 b is a front elevation of the core member proximal sealingportion of the pliable handle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 c is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 25c-25 c of FIG. 25 b;

FIG. 25 d is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 25d-25 d of FIG. 25 c;

FIG. 26 a is a front elevation view of the core member distal sealingportion of the pliable handle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 b is a top plan view of the core member distal sealing portionof the pliable handle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 c is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 26c-26 c in FIG. 26 b;

FIG. 27 is perspective view of the distal end cap of the pliable handleof FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 a is a perspective view of the proximal end cap of the pliablehandle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 b is a bottom plan view of the proximal end cap of the pliablehandle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 c is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 28c-28 c of FIG. 28 a;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the assembled pliable handle of FIG.23;

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of a tenth exemplary embodimentof the pliable handle;

FIG. 31 a is a front elevation view of the core member main portion ofthe pliable handle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 31 b is a top plan view of the core member main portion of thepliable handle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 31 c is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 31c-31 c of FIG. 31 b;

FIG. 32 a is a front elevation view of the core member proximal sealingportion of the pliable handle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 b is a top plan view of the core member proximal sealing portionof the pliable handle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 c is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 32c-32 c of FIG. 31 b;

FIG. 33 is a front elevation view of the core member distal sealingportion of the pliable handle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 a is a bottom plan view of the distal end cap of the pliablehandle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 b is a top plan view of the distal end cap of the pliable handleof FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 a is a bottom plan view of the proximal end cap of the pliablehandle of FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 b is a top plan view of the proximal end cap of the pliablehandle of FIG. 30; and

FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the assembled pliable handle of FIG.30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pliable handle 100 according to oneexemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the pliablehandle 100 in partial cutaway and being gripped by a hand. As the handgrips the pliable handle 100, forces applied in directions indicated bythe arrows cause the pliable handle to deform and conform to the shapeof the hand. The pliable handle 100 has a so-called memory effect,meaning that after the grip on the handle is released and the forces areremoved, the deformation in the handle will remain for a period of timebefore the handle returns to its original shape.

FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view of the pliable handle 100,and FIG. 4 is a rear exploded perspective view of the pliable handle100. The pliable handle 100 is configured to be securely yet removablyattached to a pole 150 (which is not part of the present invention) andis generally formed of a core member 110, an outer sheath 120, aproximal end cap 130, and a distal end cap 140.

One exemplary core member 110 is formed in a substantially cylindricalshape (but can be any other suitable shape) with proximal and distalthreaded portions 111, 112 formed on an outer surface of proximal anddistal ends, respectively. Proximal and distal annular flanges 113, 114,which partially define a gel-containing portion 115 therebetween, areprovided on the outer surface of the core member 110 at a locationslightly inward along the longitudinal axis of the core member 110 fromthe respective proximal and distal threaded portions 111, 112. Thediameters of the proximal and distal annular flanges 113, 114 can be thesame or different, depending on the desired shape of the pliable handle100. A gel-directing through bore 116 is formed through the core member110 at a position closer to the distal threaded portion 112 than theproximal threaded portion 111, and the longitudinal axis of thegel-directing through bore 116 is substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the core member 110. In other words, thegel-directing through bore 116 is formed proximate the distal annularflange 114 and within the gel-containing portion 115. It is appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the position and size of thegel-directing through bore 116 may be modified provided that themodification results in a gel-directing through bore suitable for theintended purpose. A threaded bore 117 is formed in the proximal end ofthe core member 110 and is designed to threadingly mate with the pole150 or other device to which the pliable handle of the present inventionmay be attached. Alternatively, the handle 100 may be designed to beattached to the pole 150 or other device by any other suitable attachingmeans, such as rivets, adhesive, tension fit, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the core member 110 takenalong the line 5-5 of FIG. 3. The core member 110 has formed therein agel injection bore 118, which is open at the distal end of the coremember 110 and is in communication with the through bore 116. In oneembodiment, the gel injection bore 118 intersects the through bore 116at approximately the center thereof. The longitudinal axis of the gelinjection bore 118 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the through bore 116. As will be described in detail furtherbelow, the gel injection bore 118 and through bore 116 are used toreceive and direct gel during the handle assembly process. It isappreciated by those skilled in the art that the number, positions andsizes of these bores may be modified provided that the modificationresults in bores that are suitable for the intended purpose. The coremember 110 can be formed of PVC, ABS, PE or PP plastic, or any othersuitable material.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer sheath 120 is provided overthe core member 110 such that the sheath is uniformly disposed about thecore member 110. Together the outer sheath 120 and the core member 110define the gel-containing portion 115 therebetween. That is, thegel-containing portion 115 is defined at its ends by the proximal anddistal annular flanges 113, 114 of the core member 110, and at itslongitudinal faces by the base of the core member 110 and the outersheath 120.

The outer sheath 120 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has atits ends a proximal shoulder 121 and a distal shoulder 122,respectively, which may or may not be flanged. The diameter of each ofthe proximal and distal shoulders 121, 122 corresponds with the diameterof the respective proximal and distal annular flanges 113, 114 of thecore member 110, such that when the pliable handle 100 is assembled, theproximal and distal shoulders 121, 122 form gel seals with the proximaland distal annular flanges 113, 114, respectively, due to the intimatefit between these members. Finally, proximal and distal annular lips(rings) 123, 124 define holes provided at the proximal and distal ends,respectively, of the outer sheath 120. When the pliable handle 100 isassembled, the proximal and distal threaded portions 111, 112 of thecore member 110 project through the holes defined by the annular lips123, 124, respectively.

In one preferred embodiment, the outer sheath 120 is formed ofvulcanized silicone. Alternatively, the outer sheath 120 may be formedof any other deformable material suitable for the intended purpose. Thesheath 120 has a thickness that is great enough to resist breakage, butthin enough to be pliable and readily deformable under the normalhandling of a user. Also, the sheath 120 may be colorless, oralternatively may be formed of any of a number of different colors,including a solid color or a multicolored pattern. The sheath 120 mayalso be transparent or alternatively, opaque. Moreover, the sheath 120can contain a decorative pattern or other indicia, such as a companylogo.

Distal end cap 140 is circular in shape and has an outer diameter thatis substantially similar to the diameter of the shoulder 122 of thedistal end portion of the outer sheath 120. The bottom end cap 140 hasan open end and a closed end. Formed in the open end is a threaded bore141 designed to secure the cap 140 to the distal threaded portion 112 ofthe core member 110.

Proximal end cap 130 is circular in shape and has two open ends. Theproximal open end of the cap 130 has a shoulder 131. An annular lip 132,which has a diameter that is smaller than that of the shoulder 131,defines a hole and is located concentric with the shoulder 131. Thediameter of the distal end of the proximal end cap 130 is larger thanthe diameter of the proximal end, and is substantially similar to thediameter of the proximal shoulder 121 of the outer sheath 120. Formed inthe inner circumference of the distal open end of the proximal end cap130 are threaded bores 131 designed to secure the cap 130 to theproximal threaded portion 111 of the core member 110.

After assembly, the pliable handle 100 can be secured to a device, suchas pole 150 having a threaded end 151. The threaded end 151 is passedthrough the proximal end cap 130 hole defined by the annular lip 132 andthrough the outer sheath 120 hole defined by the proximal annular lip123, and then the threaded end 151 of the pole 150 is screwed into thethreaded bore 117 formed in the proximal end of the core member 110.

The distal end cap 140 and proximal end cap 130 may be modified inshape, color, or size, provided that the caps are suitable for theirintended purpose. The caps 140, 130 may be made of ABS plastic or anyother suitable material. Also, the caps 140, 130 may be colorless, oralternatively may be formed of any of a number of different colors,including a solid color or a multicolored pattern. The caps 140, 130 mayalso be transparent or alternatively, opaque. It should also be notedthat the components of the handle may be modified such that the caps140, 130 are secured to the handle by a means other than screwing.

One exemplary method for assembling the pliable handle 100 will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 6, which is a cross-sectional view ofthe assembled pliable handle 100 illustrating movement of gel duringinjection.

During assembly, the outer sheath 120 is placed over the core member 110such that the proximal and distal threaded portions 111, 112 of the coremember 110 project through the holes defined by the annular lips 123,124, respectively of the outer sheath 120. Gel seals are formed by theproximal and distal shoulders 121, 122 of the outer sheath 120 couplingwith the respective shoulders 113, 114 of the core member 110. Thegel-containing portion 115 is thereby defined at its ends by theproximal and distal annular flanges 113, 114 of the core member 110, andat its longitudinal faces by the base of the core member 110 and theouter sheath 120.

After the outer sheath 120 is placed over the core member 110, gel 700is injected through the gel injection bore 118 of the core member 110using an injection nozzle 600. The gel 700 travels through the gelinjection bore 118 until it is forced through the gel-directing throughbore 116 in a direction perpendicular to its original travelingdirection and then into the gel-containing portion 115 so that the gel700 is uniformly disposed about the core member 110. When thegel-containing portion 115 is filled with gel 700, the injection nozzle600 is removed and the proximal and distal end caps 130, 140 are securedto the proximal and distal threaded portions 111, 112 of the core member110. That is, the proximal end cap 130 is secured to the proximalthreaded portion of the 111 of the core member 110, and the distal endcap 140 is secured to the distal threaded portion 112 of the core member110. Cap 140 seals the bore 118. Alternatively, a plug may be used toseal the bore 118. At this point the pliable handle 100 is completelyassembled and ready to be secured to a device, such as the pole 150 ofan umbrella, a handle of any one of a cane, walking stick, sportsequipment (e.g., baseball bat, golf club, tennis racket, fishing rod,hockey stick, etc.), tool (e.g., screwdriver, hammer, etc.), gardenequipment (e.g., shovel, rake, shears, etc.), kitchen tool (e.g., knife,pot, pan, can opener, etc.), cleaning equipment (e.g., broom, mop,etc.), writing instruments, beauty equipment (e.g., cosmeticapplicators, curling irons, hair dryers, etc.), etc.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled pliable handle 100illustrating movement of gel 700 while a force exerting pressure isapplied to the handle 100. As a hand grips the pliable handle 100, forceis applied in directions indicated by the arrows to cause the outersheath 120 and gel 700 to deform. As indicated by the arrows, the gel700 is forced in multiple directions. As mentioned above, the pliablehandle has memory effect, such that after the force exerting pressure isremoved, the deformation in the handle will remain for a period of timebefore the handle returns to its original shape.

The gel 700 may be formed of silicone or any other suitable material.The gel 700 may be colorless, or alternatively may be formed of any of anumber of different colors, including a solid color or a multicolored(e.g., speckled) pattern. The gel 700 may also be transparent oralternatively, opaque.

FIG. 8 is a front exploded perspective view of a second exemplaryembodiment of the pliable handle according to the present inventionhaving an alternate method for gel injection. Like the pliable handle100 of the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-7, pliable handle800 is configured to be securely yet removably attached to a pole 150(which is not part of the present invention) and is generally formed ofa core member 810, an outer sheath 120, a proximal end cap 130, and adistal end cap 140. Many of the components, such as the outer sheath120, the proximal end cap 130, and the distal end cap 140 are the samein both of the pliable handles 100, 800 according to the first andsecond exemplary embodiments, respectively, and thus the same referencenumerals have been used. A main difference in structure in the pliablehandle according to this second exemplary embodiment is of the innercore 810.

This exemplary core member 810 is formed in a substantially oval shape(and alternatively may be cylindrical or any other suitable shape) withproximal and distal threaded portions 811, 812 formed on an outersurface of proximal and distal ends, respectively. Proximal and distalannular flanges 813, 814, which partially define a gel-containingportion 815 therebetween, are provided on the outer surface of the coremember 810 at a location slightly inward along the longitudinal axis ofthe core member 810 from the respective proximal and distal threadedportions 811, 812. Gel injection through bores 816 a, 816 b are formedthrough the proximal annular flange 813 on opposing sides of the flange813 and such that the longitudinal axes of the gel injection throughbores 816 a, 816 b are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axisof the core member 810. A threaded bore 817 is formed in the proximalend of the core member 810 and is designed to threadingly mate with thepole 150 or other device to which the pliable handle of the presentinvention may be attached.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the core member in partial cutaway takenalong line 9-9 of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a sectional plan view of thecore member taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8. The core member 810 hasformed therein the gel injection through bores 816 a, 816 b and threadedbore 817 as described in the previous paragraph. As will be described indetail further below, the gel injection though bores 816 a, 816 b aredesigned to receive gel and exhaust air, respectively, during the handleassembly process. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that thenumber, positions and sizes of the gel injection through bores 816 a,816 b can be modified provided that the modification results in boresthat are suitable for the intended purpose. The core member 810 can beformed of PVC, ABS, PE or PP plastic, or any other suitable material.

An exemplary method for assembling the pliable handle 800 will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 11, which is an elevation view inpartial cutaway of the assembled pliable handle 800 of FIG. 8illustrating movement of gel 1100 during injection.

During assembly, the outer sheath 120 is placed over the core member 810such that the proximal and distal threaded portions 811, 812 of the coremember 810 project through to the holes defined by the annular lips 123,124, respectively of the outer sheath 120. Gel seals are formed by theproximal and distal shoulders 121, 122 of the outer sheath 120 couplingwith the respective shoulders 813, 814 of the core member 810. Thegel-containing portion 815 is thereby defined at its ends by theproximal and distal annular flanges 813, 814 of the core member 810, andat its longitudinal faces by the base of the core member 810 and theouter sheath 120.

After the outer sheath 120 is placed over the core member 810, holes125, 126 are pierced through the outer sheath 120 to correspond with gelinjection through bores 816 a, 816 b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11,gel 1110 is injected through both of gel injection through bores 816 aand 816 b of the core member 810 using injection needles 1120 and 1130,respectively. Gel 1110 travels through the gel injection through bores816 a, 816 b and fills the gel-containing portion 815 so that the gel1110 is uniformly disposed about the core member 810. When thegel-containing portion 815 is filled with gel 1110, the injectionneedles 1120, 1130 are removed and the proximal and distal end caps 130,140 are secured to the proximal and distal threaded portions 811, 812 ofthe core member 810. That is, the proximal end cap 130 is secured to theproximal threaded portion of the 811 of the core member 810, and thedistal end cap 140 is secured to the distal threaded portion 812 of thecore member 110. Cap 130 seals the gel injection bores 816 a, 816 b.Also, plugs 1201 a, 1201 b may be used to plug the gel injection throughbores 816 a and 816 b before the cap 130 is secured so as to minimizethe risk of any gel leaks; the plugs 1201 a, 1201 b may be made of anymaterial or shape (e.g., screws set with epoxy glue) suitable for theintended purpose. At this point the pliable handle 800 is completelyassembled and ready to be secured to a device, as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of thepliable handle according to the present invention. In this embodiment,the outer sheath 120 is modified to form ribs 1310 thereon. The ribs1310 are sized and spaced such that fingers may be placed comfortablywithin the spaces between the ribs 1310. Aside from better comfort, theribs 1310 provide a more secure grip to thereby prevent loss of thehandle 1300 along with the device to which it is attached.Alternatively, the ribs 1310 may be spaced closer together, that is,closer that the width of the fingers, so as to merely provide betterfriction for gripping. Preferably, the ribs 1310 are made of the samematerial as the outer sheath 120, but the ribs 1310 may be made of anyother suitable material.

Further, a loop (or wrist strap) 1320 may be provided on the closed endof the distal end cap 140. Alternatively, the loop 1320 may be securedto the proximal end cap 130, between the pole 150 and the proximal endcap 130, or any other position suitable for its intended purpose. Thisloop 1320 may be used for hanging the handle along with the device towhich it is attached, or for securing the handle and correspondingdevice to a wrist. The loop 1320 may be made of plastic or any othersuitable material.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of thepliable handle of the present invention. The pliable handle 1400 of thisembodiment is elongated for two-handed gripping.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of thepliable handle of the present invention. The sheath of the pliablehandle 1500 of this embodiment has a shape contoured to fit a hand. Theinner core may have substantially the same shape as one of the shapes ofthe inner cores described above or any other modified shape that wouldbe suitable for the intended purpose. Pliable handle 1700 may alsoinclude a loop like the one shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodimentof the pliable handle of the present invention. The pliable handle 1600has a pliable gripping portion 1610 similar in construction to the otherhandles described throughout this description, and thus descriptions ofits features will not be repeated here. A main difference in pliablehandle 1600 is that at the distal end, rather than being attached to adistal end cap, as described above, it is attached to a curved handleportion 1620. That is, a threaded end 1621 of the curved handle portion1620 is threadingly mated with a threaded bore (not shown) formed in thedistal end portion of the pliable gripping portion 1610.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of thepliable handle of the present invention. The pliable handle 1700 issimilar in construction to the other handles described throughout thisdescription. However, pliable handle 1700 does not have end caps, theinner core has a dome-shaped portion, and the outer sheath has a closedend. A more detailed explanation follows.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the pliable handle of FIG.17. The pliable handle 1700 is configured to be securely yet removablyattached to a pole portion 1730 and is generally formed of a core member1710 and an outer sheath 1720.

One exemplary core member 1710 is formed in a substantially cylindricalshape (but can be any other suitable shape) with a distal dome-shapedportion 1713. An annular flange 1711, which with the dome-shaped portion1713 partially defines a gel-containing portion 1714 therebetween, isprovided on the outer surface of the core member 1710 at the proximalend of the core member 1710. Gel injection through bores 1712 a, 1712 b,which are similar to gel injection through bores 816 a and 816 b shownin FIG. 8, are formed through the annular flange 1711 on opposing sidesof the flange 1711 and such that the longitudinal axes of the gelinjection through bores 1712 a, 1712 b are substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the core member 1710. A threaded bore (not shown)is formed in the proximal end of the core member 1710 and is designed tothreadingly mate with the pole portion 1730 or other device to which thepliable handle of the present invention may be attached.

The outer sheath 1720 is provided over the core member 1710 such thatthe sheath is uniformly disposed about the core member 1710. Togetherthe outer sheath 1720 and the core member 1710 define the gel-containingportion 1714 therebetween. That is, the gel-containing portion 1714 isdefined at its ends by the annular flange 1711 and the dome-shapedportion 1713 of the core member 1710, and at its longitudinal faces bythe base of the core member 1710 and the outer sheath 1720.

The outer sheath 1720 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has aproximal open end 1721 having a shoulder defining a hole 1723 and adistal closed end 1722. The diameter of the shoulder of the proximalopen end 1721 corresponds with the diameter of the annular flange 1711of the core member 1710, such that when the pliable handle 1700 isassembled, the shoulder at the proximal open end 1721 forms a gel sealwith the annular flange 1711 due to the intimate fit between thesemembers.

After assembly, the pliable handle 1700 can be secured to a device, suchas pole portion 1730 having a threaded end 1733 and an annular flange1732 provided on the outer surface of the pole 1731 of the pole portion1730 at a location adjacent to the threaded end 1733. The diameter ofthe annular flange 1732 is preferably, but not necessarily, the same asthe diameter of the annular flange 1711 of the core member 1710. Thethreaded end 1733 is screwed into the threaded bore (not shown) formedin the proximal end of the core member 1710.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an eighth exemplaryembodiment of the pliable handle having an alternative core member. Thepliable handle 1900 has a pliable gripping portion 1910. A maindifference in the pliable gripping portion 1910 of the pliable handle1900 is that the core member (described in detail below) is ofthree-part construction. Similar to the pliable gripping portion 1610 ofFIG. 16, this pliable gripping portion 1910 is shown attached to a pole150 at the proximal end and to a curved handle portion 1620 at thedistal end. It is understood, however, that the pliable gripping portion1910 need not be applied to a pole 150 or a curved handle portion 1620,but may alternatively be applied to any other device suitable for theintended purpose.

FIG. 20 is a front exploded perspective view of the pliable handle ofFIG. 19 having the alternative core member consisting of three parts.The exemplary three-part core member is formed of a main core memberpart 1920, a proximal sealer 1930, and a distal sealer 1940. The coremember main part 1920 is substantially tubular in shape with an annularflange 1921 at the proximal end and an annular flange 1922 at the distalend. The proximal and distal annular flanges 1921, 1922 partially definea gel-containing portion 1925 therebetween. The distal flange 1922 hasformed therein four gel injection bores, only two of which (1923 and1924) are shown, such that the longitudinal axes of the gel injectionbores 1923, 1924 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe core member main part 1920 and are spaced apart from one another. Itis understood that although four gel injection bores are shown, theremay be any number of gel injection bores suitable for the intendedpurpose. Also, these gel injection bores may alternatively be formed inthe proximal annular flange 1921.

The distal sealer 1940 is substantially cylindrical in shape with anannular flange 1944 at one end. Formed in the annular flange 1944 is athreaded bore 1942, though this bore 1942 is not essential to theinvention. Formed in the opposite end along the central axis of thedistal sealer 1940 is a screw 1941 that projects from the distal sealer1940. The distal sealer 1940 is shown having in the annular flange 1944a semicircular notch 1943, which is intended to allow for a handlestrap. However, this notch 1943 is not required, and a strap could besecured in the center of the annular flange 1944 rather than the side.

The proximal sealer 1930 is also substantially cylindrical in shape withan annular flange 1936 having a threaded bore 1934 and a semicircularnotch 1935 formed in one end.

Formed in the opposite end is a hole 1933, which is designed to matewith the screw 1941 of the distal sealer 1940.

The proximal sealer 1930 and distal sealer 1940 are designed to beinserted at opposite ends of the core member main part 1920 andscrewingly mated together within the core member main part 1920. Morespecifically, after the proximal and distal sealers 1930, 1940 areinserted into the tubular portion of the core member main part 1920 atopposing ends, a screw portion 1941 of the distal sealer 1940 isinserted into a hole portion 1933 of the proximal sealer 1930 andscrewed therein such that the three parts of the core member are coupledtogether to form a single milt. Of course the screw portion 1941 may bealternatively formed on the proximal sealer 1930 and the hole portion1933 correspondingly formed in the distal sealer 1940. The sealingaffects of the proximal sealer 1930 and distal sealer 1940 will becomeclear from the description of the assembly process below.

The pliable handle 1900 also includes an outer sheath 1950 that issubstantially cylindrical in shape and has at its ends a proximalshoulder 1951 and a distal shoulder 1952, respectively. The diameter ofeach of the proximal and distal shoulders 1951, 1952 corresponds withthe diameter of the respective proximal and distal annular flanges 1921,1922 of the core member main part 1920.

The pliable handle 1900 may also include a proximal end cap 1960 and adistal end cap 1970. The proximal end cap 1960 has an annular lip 1963,which has a diameter that is smaller than that of the proximal end cap1960 itself, defines a hole, and is located concentric with the proximalend cap 1960. The diameter of the distal end of the proximal end cap1960 is substantially similar to the diameter of the proximal shoulder1951 of the outer sheath 1950. Formed on the distal end or underside ofthe proximal end cap 1960 may be projections 1961, 1962 designed tosecure the proximal end cap 1960 to the proximal end of the proximalsealer 1930 having corresponding bores 1931, 1932 formed therein. It isto be understood, however, that the proximal end cap 1960 is notrequired.

The distal end cap 1970 has formed in its proximal side along itscentral axis a threaded projection 1971, which is designed tothreadingly mate with the threaded bore 1942 of the distal sealer 1940.It is to be understood, however, that the distal end cap 1970 is notrequired.

The assembly process of the eighth exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 is a perspectiveview showing the pliable handle 1900 in partial cutaway and having fourgel injection bores 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 and illustrating movement ofgel 2100 during injection. FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the pliablehandle 1900 in partial cutaway illustrating compression of the shoulder1952 of the outer sheath 1950 to seal the gel injection bores 1923,1924, 1925, 1926.

During assembly, the outer sheath 1950 is placed over the core membermain part 1920 such that the proximal and distal shoulders 1951, 1952 ofthe outer sheath 1950 grip the respective annular flanges 1921, 1922 ofthe core member main part 1920. A gel-containing portion 1925 is therebydefined at its ends by the proximal and distal annular flanges 1921,1922 of the core member main part 1920, and at its longitudinal faces bythe base of the core member main body 1920 and the outer sheath 1950.

Referring specifically to FIG. 21, after the outer sheath 1950 is placedover the core member main part 1920, gel 2100 is injected through thefour gel injection bores 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 of the core member mainpart 1920 using injection nozzles 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, respectively.The gel 2100 travels through the gel injection bores 1923, 1924, 1925,1926 to fill the gel-containing portion 1925, and then the injectionnozzles 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104 are removed. Again, the specific numberof four gel injection bores and four injection nozzles are not required.The number may be any that is suitable for the intended purpose.

Now referring to FIG. 22, the proximal sealer 1930 and distal sealer1940 are subsequently inserted at opposite ends of the core member mainpart 1920 and screwingly mated together such that the screw portion 1941of the distal sealer 1940 is screwed within the hole portion 1931 of theproximal sealer 1930. As the proximal sealer 1930 and distal sealer 1940are screwed tighter together, the distal shoulder portion 1952 of theouter sheath 1950 is compressed between the distal annular flange 1922of the core member main part 1920 and the distal sealer 1940, therebysealing the gel injection bores 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 formed in thedistal annular flange 1922 and securely containing the gel 2100 withinthe gel-containing portion 1925. Finally, the end caps 1960, 1970 may besecured to the proximal end of the proximal sealer 1930 and the distalend of the distal sealer 1940, respectively.

FIG. 23 is a rear exploded perspective view of a ninth exemplaryembodiment of the pliable handle. The pliable handle 2300 is generallyformed of a core member 2310, which has a core member main portion 2310a, a core member proximal sealing portion 2310 b, and a core memberdistal sealing portion 2310 c, an outer sheath 2320, a proximal end cap2330, and a distal end cap 2340. Main differences in the pliable handleaccording to this ninth exemplary embodiment as compared with otherexemplary embodiments are in the structure of the core member portion2310.

FIGS. 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c show different views of the core member mainportion 2310 a; FIG. 24 a shows a front elevation view of the coremember main portion 2310 a, FIG. 24 b shows a top plan view, and FIG. 24c shows a bottom plan view. The core member main portion 2310 a ishollow and formed in a substantially bowed shape (and alternatively maybe cylindrical, oval or any other suitable shape). Proximal and distalannular flanges 2313 a, 2313 b, which partially define a gel-containingportion 2315 therebetween, gradually flare out from the outer surface ofthe core member main portion 2310 a toward respective longitudinal endsof the main portion 2310 a. The dimensions of the outer profiles of theproximal and distal annular flanges 2313 a, 2313 b can be the same ordifferent from one another, depending on the desired shape of thepliable handle 2300.

FIG. 24 b shows a top plan view of the core member main portion 2310 a.The bore 2312 in the proximal end decreases in diameter in a step-wisefashion. A first bore portion 2312 a is round, is concentric with thelongitudinal axis of the core member main portion 2310 a, and has adiameter that is smaller than the diameter of the oval outer profile ofthe proximal end of the core member main portion 2310 a. A second boreportion 2312 b is concentric with the longitudinal axis of the coremember main portion 2310 a and with the first bore portion 2312 a, andhas a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the first boreportion 2312 a. This second bore portion 2312 b has at least one slot2316 a, the function of which is described further below, formed in theinterior such that the longitudinal axis of the slot 2316 a issubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core member mainportion 2310 a. A third bore portion 2312 c is concentric with each ofthe longitudinal axes of the core member main portion 2310 a, the firstbore portion 2312 a, and the second bore portion 2312 b, and has adiameter that is smaller than the diameter of the second bore portion2312 b. This third bore portion 2312 c is provided through to almost thedistal end of the core member main portion 2310 a.

FIG. 24 c shows a bottom plan view of the core member main portion 2310a. The bore in the distal end decreases in diameter in a step-wisefashion similar to the proximal end, except that this distal end has oneless step than the proximal end. A fourth bore portion 2312 d isconcentric with the longitudinal axis of the core member main portion2310 a, has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the outeroval profile of the distal end of the core member main portion 2310 a,and has approximately the same as the diameter as the first bore portion2312 a. The fourth bore portion 2312 d has at least one slot 2316 b, thefunction of which is described further below, formed in the interiorsuch that the longitudinal axis of the slot 2316 b is substantiallyparallel with the longitudinal axis of the core member main portion 2310a. The fourth bore portion 2312 d then steps down to the third boreportion 2312 c described above with respect to the proximal end of thecore member main portion 2310 a.

FIGS. 25 a, 25 b, and 25 c show different views of the core memberproximal sealing portion 2310 b, which is hollow and has three mainsections; FIG. 25 a shows a left side elevation, FIG. 25 b shows a frontelevation, FIG. 25 c shows a cross-sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 25 c-25 c of FIG. 25 b, and FIG. 25 d shows a cross-sectionalview taken substantially along line 25 d-25 d of FIG. 25 c. The first,most proximal section has an oval cross-section, the second, middlesection has a round, stepped cross-section, and the third, most distalsection has a round cross-section with a diameter that is smaller thanthat of the second section. Of course the specific shape of the sealingportion 2310 b can vary as long as it is suitable for the intendedpurpose.

The first, most proximal oval section has a bore 2317 which isconcentric with the longitudinal axis of the core member proximalsealing portion 2310 b and is defined at its outer edge by a lip 2317 a.An access hole 2314 is formed in a side of the first, most proximalsection, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the proximal sealingportion 2310 b, and functions to permit access to a release button 2333(shown in FIG. 29) for opening the canopy of the umbrella.

The second, middle round section has three annular outer steps 2318 a,2318 b, 2318 c which are each concentric with the longitudinal axis ofthe core member proximal sealing portion 2310 b and decrease in outerdiameter towards the distal end of the sealing portion 2310 b. Also,within this second section the bore 2317 decreases in diameter in astep-wise fashion towards the distal end of the sealing portion 2310 b.

The third, most distal round section has an outer diameter that issmaller than that of the second section. Also, the diameter of the bore2317 in the third section remains substantially the same as in thesecond section, but instead has a hexagonal cross-section, except forthe most distal portion of the bore 2317, which changes back to a roundcross-section with an even smaller diameter. A notch 2319 is formed onthe outer circumference of the third section substantially parallel withthe longitudinal axis of the sealing portion 2310 b starting from thesecond section and projecting toward the distal end of the proximalsealing portion 2310 c. Although one notch 2319 is shown, any number ofnotches suitable for the intended purpose would suffice.

FIG. 26 a shows a front elevation view of the core member distal sealingportion 2310 c, and FIG. 26 b shows a top plan view of the core memberdistal sealing portion 2310 c, which is hollow and has two mainsections. Of course the specific shape of the sealing portion 2310 c canvary as long as it is suitable for the intended purpose. The first, mostdistal section has a round cross-section, and the second, most proximalsection also has a round cross-section, but with a smaller diameter thanthat of the first section. The first, most distal round section has abore portion 2312 e, which is concentric with the longitudinal axis ofthe sealing portion 2310 c, and has two opposing flat portions 2312 g onthe outer diameter. The second, most proximal section has bore portions2312 f, 2312 h and a notch 2311. The bore portions 2312 f and 2312 h areeach concentric with the longitudinal axis of the sealing portion 2310c. The bore portion 2312 f has a diameter that is smaller than that ofthe bore portion 2312 e located in the first section, and the boreportion 2312 h at the most proximal end of the sealing portion 2310 chas a diameter that is smaller than that of the bore portion 2312 f. Thenotch 2311 is formed on the outer circumference of the second sectionparallel with the longitudinal axis of the sealing portion 2310 cstarting from the first section and projecting toward the proximal endof the sealing portion 2310 c. Although one notch 2311 and two flatportions 2312 g are shown, any number of notches and/or flat portionssuitable for the intended purpose would suffice.

The outer sheath 2320, which is shown in FIG. 23, is substantially ovalin shape and has at its ends a proximal shoulder 2321 and a distalshoulder 2322, respectively, which may or may not be flanged. Theproximal and distal shoulders 2321, 2322 each define a hole provided atthe proximal and distal ends, respectively, of the outer sheath 2320.The diameter and shape of each of the proximal and distal shoulders2321, 2322 corresponds with the diameter and shape of the respectiveproximal and distal annular flanges 2313 a, 2313 b of the core membermain portion 2310 a, such that when the pliable handle 2300 isassembled, the proximal and distal shoulders 2321, 2322 form gel sealswith the proximal and distal annular flanges 2313 a, 2313 b,respectively, due to the intimate fit between these members. The outersheath 2320 is provided over the core member main portion 2310 a suchthat the sheath is substantially uniformly disposed about the coremember main portion 2310 a. Together the outer sheath 2320 and the coremember main portion 2310 a define a gel-containing portion 2315therebetween. That is, the gel-containing portion 2315 is defined at itsends by the proximal and distal annular flanges 2313 a, 2313 b of thecore member main portion 2310 a, and at its longitudinal faces by thebase of the core member main portion 2310 a and the outer sheath 2320.

FIG. 27 shows perspective view of the distal end cap 2340. The distalend cap 2340 is oval in cross-section and has an outer profile that issubstantially similar to the outer profile of the distal shoulder 2322of the outer sheath 2320. The distal end cap 2340 has an open end and aclosed end. Formed in the open end is an annular lip 2343 having twonotches 2341 projecting inwardly therefrom and being designed to securethe distal cap 2340 to the two flat portions 2312 g of the core memberdistal sealing portion 2310 c. Of course, any number of notches or othersecuring means suitable for the intended purpose would suffice. Theclosed end of the cap 2340 is substantially flat and may have a loop (orwrist strap) 2342 secured thereto. The loop 2342 may be made of elasticor any other suitable material.

FIG. 28 a shows a perspective view of the proximal end cap 2330, FIG. 28b shows a bottom plan view, and FIG. 28 c shows a cross-sectional viewtaken substantially along line 28 c-28 c of FIG. 28 a. The proximal endcap 2330 is oval in cross-section and cup-like in shape with two openends. The proximal open end of the cap 2330 has a shoulder 2331, whichdefines a round hole 2331 a. The hole 2331 a is concentric with thelongitudinal axis of the proximal end cap 2330 and permits the insertionof a pole to which the pliable handle 2300 may be attached. The outerprofile of the distal end of the proximal end cap 2330 is substantiallythe same as the outer profile of its proximal end, and is substantiallysimilar in profile to the outer profile of the proximal shoulder 2321 ofthe outer sheath 2320. Of course, the profiles of the distal andproximal ends may be different from one another, depending on the designof the handle. Formed in a side of the proximal end cap 2330 is a hole2332 designed to permit access to the release button 2333, which whenpressed may be used to automatically open a canopy of an umbrella, as isknown in the art. The release button 2333 does not form a part of thepresent invention, and thus for the sake of brevity, its details areomitted here.

One exemplary method for assembling the pliable handle 2300 of FIG. 23will now be described. During assembly, the outer sheath 2320 is placedover the core member main portion 2310 a such that gel seals are formedby the proximal and distal shoulders 2321, 2322 of the outer sheath 2320coupling with the respective shoulders 2313 a, 2313 b of the core membermain portion 2310 a. The gel-containing portion 2315 is thereby definedat its ends by the proximal and distal annular flanges 2313 a, 2313 b ofthe core member main portion 2310 a, and at its longitudinal faces bythe base of the core member main portion 2310 a and the outer sheath2320.

After the outer sheath 2320 is placed over the core member 2310 a, oneend of the outer sheath 2320 is pulled back and gel is injected into thegel-containing portion 2315 using an injection nozzle. When thegel-containing portion 2315 is filled with gel 700, the injection nozzleis removed. Of course, other gel insertion means and methods, asdescribed with respect to the previous embodiments, may alternatively beused.

The core member proximal sealing portion 2310 b and core member distalsealing portion 2310 c are then secured to the core member main portion2310 a. More specifically, after the release button 2333 is insertedinto the hole 2314 of the core member proximal sealing portion 2310 b,the sealing portion 2310 b is inserted distal end first into the coremember main portion 2310 a by mating the rib 2319 of the core memberproximal sealing portion 2310 b with the slot 2316 a of the core membermain portion 2310 a. Also, the core member distal sealing portion 2310 cis inserted into the core member main portion 2310 a proximal end firstby mating the notch 2311 of the core member distal sealing portion 2310c with the slot 2316 b of the core member main portion 2310 a. Thedistal end of the core member proximal sealing portion 2310 b and theproximal end of the core member distal sealing portion 2310 c couldtouch or may alternatively have a small space therebetween within thethird bore portion 2312 c of the core member main portion 2310 a. Ascrew 2360 is then inserted into the bore portions 2312 e, 2312 f, and2312 h of the core member distal sealing portion 2310 c, through thethird bore portion 2312 c of the core member main portion 2310 a, andinto the bore 2317 of the core member proximal sealing portion 2310 b.Then a nut 2360 is secured to the end of the screw 2350 through the bore2317 of the core member proximal sealing portion 2310 b and tightenedsuch that the sealing portions 2310 b, 2310 c compress toward oneanother and tightly seal the gel 700 within the gel-containing portion2315 at the proximal and distal ends of the outer sheath 2320.

The proximal and distal end caps 2330, 2340 are then secured to theproximal and distal core member sealing portions 2310 b, 2310 c,respectively. More specifically, the proximal end cap 2330 is placed onthe proximal end of the core member proximal sealing portion 2310 b tocover the uncovered proximal end of the sealing portion 2310 b and allowthe release button 2333 to be accessed through the hole 2332. The distalend cap 2322 is secured to the core member distal sealing portion 2310 cby engaging the respective notches 2341 with flat portions 2312 g of thesealing portion 2310 c. At this point the pliable handle 2300 iscompletely assembled, as shown in FIG. 29, and is ready to be secured toa device. The pliable handle 2300 has been described as having aspecific shape and specific details. It is understood that the specificshape and details of the pliable handle 2300 can vary as long as itremains suitable for its intended purpose.

FIG. 30 is a front exploded perspective view of a tenth exemplaryembodiment of the pliable handle for use on an object such as a golfclub. The pliable handle 3000 is generally formed of a core member 3010,which has a core member main portion 3010 a, a core member proximalsealing portion 3010 b, and a core member distal sealing portion 3010 c,an outer sheath 3020, a proximal end cap 3030, and a distal end cap3040. Main differences between the pliable handle according to thistenth exemplary embodiment as compared with the pliable handle of theninth embodiment are orientation and the core member portion 3010.

FIG. 31 a shows a front elevation view of the core member main portion3010 a of the pliable handle of FIG. 30. The core member main portion3010 a is substantially cylindrical and has a substantially constantinner diameter throughout much of its longitudinal length. Proximal anddistal annular flanges 3013 a, 3013 b, which partially define agel-containing portion 3115 therebetween, are provided on the outersurface at respective longitudinal ends of the core member main portion3010 a. The diameters of the proximal and distal annular flanges 3013 a,3013 b can be the same as or different from one another, depending onthe desired shape of the pliable handle 3000.

FIG. 31 b shows a top plan view of the core member main portion 2010 a,and FIG. 31 c shows a cross-sectional view taken substantially alongline 31 c-31 c of FIG. 31 b. A bore 3010, which is concentric with thelongitudinal axis of the main portion 3010 a, decreases in diameter in astep-wise fashion at the longitudinal end of the main portion 3010 a. Afirst bore portion 3012 a has a diameter that is smaller than thediameter of the outer profile of the end of the core member main portion3010 a, and a second bore portion 3012 b has a diameter that is smallerthan the diameter of the first bore portion 3012 a. The second boreportion 3012 b has slots 3016, the function of which is describedfurther below, formed in the interior such that the longitudinal axes ofthe slots 3016 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe core member main portion 3010 a. These slots 3016 may run the fulllength or a partial length of the core member main portion 3010 a.Although a plurality of slots 3016 are shown, it is understood that anynumber of slots suitable for the intended purpose would suffice. Theproximal and distal ends of the core member main portion 3010 a aresubstantially the same, and therefore are interchangeable.

FIG. 32 a shows a front elevation view of the core member proximalsealing portion 3010 b of the pliable handle of FIG. 30, FIG. 32 b showsa top plan view of the core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b, andFIG. 32 c shows a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 32c-32 c of FIG. 32 b. The core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b ishollow and cup-like, and has two main sections. Of course the specificshape of the sealing portion 3010 b can vary as long as it is suitablefor its intended purpose. The first, most proximal section has a roundcross-section, and the second, most distal section also has a roundcross-section but has a smaller diameter than that of the first section.The first section has a bore portion 3012 e, which is concentric withthe longitudinal axis of the sealing portion 3010 b, two opposing flatportions 3012 g, and two opposing notches 3012 h. The second section hasa bore portion 3012 f, a shoulder 3017 defining a hole 3017 a, andevenly-spaced ribs 3011. The bore portion 3012 f is concentric with thelongitudinal axis of the sealing portion 3010 b and of the bore portion3012 e, and has a diameter that is smaller than that of the bore portion3012 e. The ribs 3011 are formed on the outer circumference of thesecond portion, parallel with the longitudinal axis of the sealingportion 2310 b, starting from the first section and projecting towardthe distal end of the sealing portion 3010 b. Although a plurality ofribs 3011 and two flat portions 3012 g are shown, any number of ribsand/or flat portions 3012 g suitable for the intended purpose wouldsuffice.

FIG. 33 shows front elevation view of the core member distal sealingportion 3010 c of the pliable handle of FIG. 30. The core member distalsealing portion 3010 c is substantially similar to the core memberproximal sealing portion 3010 b, except that their orientations arereversed (i.e., the proximal end of the core member distal sealingportion 3010 c is the same as the distal end of the core member proximalsealing portion 3010 b, and visa versa), and the second section has theribs 3011 which are longer on the core member distal sealing portion3010 c than on the core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b. The coremember distal sealing portion 3010 c and the core member proximalsealing portion 3010 b may be of the same or different lengths. Sincemany of the other features of the sealing portions 3010 b and 3010 c aresubstantially the same, their descriptions will be omitted here for thesake of brevity.

The outer sheath 3020, which is shown in FIG. 30, is shaped tocomfortably fit a person's hand. The outer sheath 3020 has at its ends aproximal shoulder 3021 and a distal shoulder 3022, respectively, whichmay or may not be flanged. The proximal and distal shoulders 3021, 3022each define a hole provided at the proximal and distal ends,respectively, of the outer sheath 3020. The diameter and shape of eachof the proximal and distal shoulders 3021, 3022 corresponds with thediameter and shape of the respective proximal and distal annular flanges3013 a, 3013 b of the core member main portion 3010 a, such that whenthe pliable handle 3000 is assembled, the proximal and distal shoulders3021, 3022 form gel seals with the proximal and distal annular flanges3013 a, 3013 b, respectively, due to the intimate fit between thesemembers.

Similar to the outer sheath 3020 of the ninth embodiment, the outersheath 3020 of this embodiment is provided over the core member mainportion 3010 a such that the sheath is substantially uniformly disposedabout the core member main portion 3010 a. Together the outer sheath3020 and the core member main portion 3010 a define a gel-containingportion 3015 therebetween. That is, the gel-containing portion 3015 isdefined at its ends by the proximal and distal annular flanges 3013 a,3013 b of the core member main portion 3010 a, and at its longitudinalfaces by the base of the core member main portion 3010 a and the outersheath 3020.

FIGS. 34 a and 34 b show bottom and top plan views, respectively, of thedistal end cap 3040 of the pliable handle shown in FIG. 30. The distalend cap 3040 is substantially egg-shaped in cross-section (but of coursemay have any other suitable cross-section) and cup-like with two openends. The distal open end of the cap 3040 has a shoulder 3041 defining around hole 3041 a, which permits insertion of a pole or device to whichthe pliable handle 3000 will be attached. The proximal open end has acircular profile and has within its inner circumference two opposingslots 3042, which are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the distalend cap 3040, and two opposing flat portions 3043 (which cannot be seenin the figure), the securing function of which will be described furtherbelow. The profile of the proximal end is substantially similar to theprofile of the distal shoulder 3021 of the outer sheath 3020.

FIGS. 35 a and 35 b show bottom and top plan views, respectively, of theproximal end cap 3030 of the pliable handle of FIG. 30. The proximal endcap 3030 is substantially egg-shaped in cross-section (but of course maybe of any other suitable cross-section) and cup-like. The proximal endcap 3030 has an open end and a closed end. The open end has a circularprofile and has formed within the inner circumference two opposing slots3032, which are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the proximal endcap 3030, and two opposing flat portions 3033 (which cannot be seen inthe figure), the securing function of which will be described furtherbelow. Of course, any number of slots, flat portions, and/or othersecuring means suitable for the intended purpose would suffice.

One exemplary method for assembling the pliable handle 3000 will now bedescribed. During assembly, the outer sheath 3020 is placed over thecore member main portion 3010 a such that gel seals are formed by theproximal and distal shoulders 3021, 3022 of the outer sheath 3020coupling with the respective shoulders 3013 a, 3013 b of the core membermain portion 3010 a. The gel-containing portion 3015 is thereby definedat its ends by the proximal and distal annular flanges 3013 a, 3013 b ofthe core member main portion 3010 a, and at its longitudinal faces bythe base of the core member main portion 3010 a and the outer sheath3020.

After the outer sheath 3020 is placed over the core member 3010 a,similar to the ninth embodiment described above, one end of the outersheath 3020 is pulled back and gel is injected into the gel-containingportion 3015 using an injection nozzle. When the gel-containing portion3015 is filled with gel 700, the injection nozzle is removed. Of courseother means and methods for inserting the gel 700 may be employed, asdescribed above with respect to other embodiments.

The core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b and core member distalsealing portion 3010 c are then secured to the core member main portion3010 a. More specifically, the core member proximal sealing portion 3010b is inserted distal end first into the core member main portion 3010 aby mating the ribs 3011 of the core member proximal sealing portion 3010b with the slots 3016 of the core member main portion 3010 a. Also, thecore member distal sealing portion 3010 c is inserted into the coremember main portion 3010 a proximal end first by mating the ribs 3011 ofthe core member distal sealing portion 3010 c with the slots 3016 of thecore member main portion 3010 a. The distal end of the core memberproximal sealing portion 3010 b and the proximal end of the core memberdistal sealing portion 3010 c could touch or may alternatively have asmall space therebetween within the core member main portion 3010 a.

A screw 3050 is inserted through the bore 3017 and into the hole 3017 aof the core member distal sealing portion 3010 c and then into the hole3017 a of the core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b. Then a nut3060 is secured to the end of the screw 3050 through the bore 3017 ofthe core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b and tightened such thatthe sealing portions 3010 b, 3010 c compress toward one another andtightly seal the gel 700 within the gel-containing portion 3015 at theproximal and distal ends of the outer sheath 3020.

The proximal and distal end caps 3030, 3040 are then secured to theproximal and distal core member sealing portions 3010 b, 3010 c,respectively. More specifically, the proximal end cap 3030 is secured tothe core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b such that the notches of3012 h of the core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b engage withthe slots 3032 of the proximal end cap 3030, and the flat portions 3012g of the core member proximal sealing portion 3010 b engage with theflat portions 3033 of the proximal end cap 3030. Similarly, the distalend cap 3022 is secured to the core member distal sealing portion 3010 csuch that the notches of 3012 h of the core member distal sealingportion 3010 c engage with the slots 3042 of the distal end cap 3000,and the flat portions 3012 g of the core member distal sealing portion3010 c engage with the flat portions 3043 of the distal end cap 3030. Atthis point the pliable handle 3000 is completely assembled, as shown inFIG. 36, and is ready to be secured to a device. The pliable handle 3000has been described as having a specific shape and specific details. Itis understood that the specific shape and details of the pliable handle3000 can vary as long as it remains suitable for its intended purpose.

As may be appreciated, the pliable handle may be formed of any of anumber of different sizes and/or shapes, such as curved, straight,contoured, or tapered, so long as the pliable handle is suitable for itsintended purpose.

Throughout the description the words “proximal” and “distal” have beenused to describe components or portions of components. These words wereused merely to aid the reader in an understanding of the invention andare not intended to be limiting.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

1. A pliable handle comprising: a tubular core member with two endshaving a separate annular flange at or near at least one end of thetubular core member which partially defines a gel-containing portionalong the core member; a deformable outer sheath disposed about thetubular core member; a gel disposed between the tubular core member andthe outer sheath; and a sealer at at least one end of the tubular coremember, wherein a force applied to the outer sheath causes load movementof the gel.
 2. The pliable handle of claim 1, wherein the deformableouter sheath has a shoulder at or near the at least one end having thesealer, the shoulder being compressed between the sealer and the flange.3. The pliable handle of claim 1, wherein the outer sheath has ashoulder at or near the at least one end having the sealer, a diameterof the shoulder corresponding to the diameter of the annular flange. 4.The pliable handle of claim 1, wherein a sealer has a side access hole.5. The pliable handle of claim 4, wherein the side access hole permitsaccess to an umbrella canopy release button.
 6. The pliable handle ofclaim 1, wherein the deformable outer sheath and gel together have amemory effect causing a deformation to remain for a period of timebefore the sheath returns substantially to its original shape.
 7. Thepliable handle of claim 1, wherein the gel is in intimate contact withthe tubular core member.
 8. The pliable handle of claim 1, wherein thetubular core member and sealer are formed of a material selected fromthe group consisting of PVC, ABS, PE, and PP plastic.
 9. The pliablehandle of claim 1, wherein the outer sheath is substantially cylindricalin shape.
 10. The pliable handle of claim 1, wherein the outer sheath isformed of vulcanized silicone.
 11. The pliable handle of claim 1,wherein the gel is uniformly disposed about the tubular core member. 12.The pliable handle of claim 1, wherein the sheath is uniformly disposedabout the tubular core member substantially from a first to a second endof the gel-containing portion.
 13. The pliable handle of claim 1,wherein the pliable handle is an umbrella handle.
 14. The pliable handleof claim 1, wherein the pliable handle is a golf club handle.
 15. Thepliable handle of claim 1, wherein the pliable handle is selected fromthe group consisting of a handle of a cane, walking stick, sportsequipment, garden equipment, tool, cleaning equipment, writinginstrument, and beauty equipment.
 16. The pliable handle of claim 1,wherein the outer sheath has ribs formed on the outer surface thereof.17. The pliable handle of claim 16 wherein the ribs are sized and spacedsuch that fingers may be placed comfortably within the spaces betweenthe ribs.
 18. A pliable handle comprising: a tubular core member havingtwo ends; a deformable outer sheath disposed about the tubular coremember; a gel disposed between the tubular core member and the outersheath; and a sealing means inserted into at least one end of thetubular core member, for sealing the gel between the tubular core memberand the outer sheath, wherein a force applied to the outer sheath causesload movement of the gel.